Exploring Issues Often Not Discussed in Church

This page will deal with some of the issues avoided, skimmed over, or not addressed at all in modern churches. This is not a page to advise you of what denomination to join, to tell you that you can’t learn anything from church, or to make you bitter towards church or Christians. There will be a variety of things posted, but many are topical or in-depth studies meant to shine the Word onto the issue discusses.

WARNING

If you are easily offended, have no interest in deepening your understanding of the Bible, or are content to go through life believing your beliefs are fine just the way they are, you will want to exit now! While I can write things that appeal to your senses and try to say things nicely so that it will be more tolerable, I’ve discovered that soft words and niceties often cause messages to be misunderstood. Some of the things you will read will come across blunt, harsh, or down-right rude. There are some things that will cut you both ways no matter how much sugar I try to add to it just because it goes against your flesh or what you’ve been taught. However, your eternal soul is too precious for me to decide I’m going to give you cupcakes and milk and “just pray” that you “get right” someday.

“7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” – Eze 33:7-9

“11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” – Mark 6:11

What you do with the information after you’ve received it is entirely your choice. However, you will not be able to stand before the Lord God Almighty and state that nobody told or warned you because every truth presented to you from the Word of God will serve to testify against you that you were informed of the truth.

Eternity is a long time to be wrong!

I know that people are not going to agree with or like what is presented here. Many of the things presented here are things I questioned or had to re-learn because I had been misinformed. Sometimes, it was due to my teacher or pastor having a wrong interpretation, and sometimes, it was due to listening to false teachers.I was probably offended by this long before you even found us. However, Jesus doesn’t make suggestions. He gives commands. You either fall in line, or you fall to the wayside. “Get right, or get left!”

“2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” – 1 John 5:2-3

Love means doing or saying what is necessary to keep someone from danger. Hell is real, and the wrath of God will not delay forever. I don’t “hate” anyone. I don’t know you to “hate” you, and I don’t have time to waste that kind of energy. I wrestled with many things that will be presented here, but there are times when hard things must be said. I’ve been through various cycles of church and lived for years believing as long as I claimed to be Christian, attended church, participated in events, and prayed periodically, I was “fine.” This was reinforced when I saw other people who claimed to be Christians in the same clubs I frequented. I truly believe that if I had died a few years ago, I would be in hell today because I had claimed salvation, but I had not been born again.

“21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” – Matt 7:21-23

What if no one ever speaks up for fear of “offending” someone or hurting feelings?

“Letter from hell”

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Comments

— 13 Comments

The church you attend is completely your choice. That’s a freedom we have, so many people usually select one based on beliefs, location, and personal preferences. For instance, one person might prefer a pastor that “pounds the pulpit” while another would prefer one who is more quiet in his speech. I would suggest you look for a place where there is a pursuit of truth and core Christian doctrines are taught. These would include:
– the virgin birth
– deity of Christ
– death, burial, and resurrection of Christ according to Scriptures (1 Cor 15:1-4)
– the Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three separate Persons
– salvation by faith alone

Many churches have sermons available in some audio format that would allow you to hear past sermons. You might also want to ask to speak with the pastor or an elder of the church so that you can get a clear understanding on what they teach in addition to visiting. Some ways to begin your search would be to drive around and note churches in your area, ask your associates about their churches or Bible studies, or search online. I hope you can find a place that will help build your faith.

I chose not to post a picture of myself or describe myself because I don’t want to distract from the purpose of the site by bringing attention to myself. I just wanted to share what I was learning and make it accessible to anyone that visits the website since not everyone wants to use social media. I don’t want the focus to be on me or what education I have. I’m still learning and don’t claim to have all the answers. I want the focus to be on the Lord with the Bible as the final authority on any and every subject. Not everyone has time to research different topics while many others aren’t sure where to start. Some are asking the same questions I did and still do, so I try to provide a variety of resources so people can read for themselves and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into truth. While personal information and credentials would be helpful when learning about places of worship, teachers, or schools, I don’t feel it would be appropriate for this site. I don’t consider myself a teacher but one who compiles information and presents it in the way that I normally speak or how I might present a matter during a Bible study session.

I read your article on divorce and remarriage and found it to be very logical based on my research. I just thought it would be interesting to know a little bit of your background. But thank you for your explanation on why you do not include your personal information and credentials. You appear to me to have a noble purpose in mind for this website and I appreciate that.

For any new Believer, I would advise him/her to get involved with a church or at least a group of Believers who are firmly rooted in the Word because babes in Christ need to be nurtured because they are new to this spiritual life. All of us need others at many points during our journey, but newly born again Christians need this time, especially. As far as a “requirement,” I will say that it is not. I say that because the physical building will not save a person. It also would be a problem for Believers in areas that make it illegal to attend church. As we race to the final moments of these end times, it will be important for Believers, especially new Believers, to strengthen and encourage each other. As long as we have the means and availability to learn from others, study and pray together, and join together for worship and learning of our Lord, we should make the most of it because we may not always have it. While it is not a requirement, it would be wise for us to take advantage of every gift God has provided for us to learn of Him and the Christian walk.

Thank you for your time! Sure, we’re all learning and growing together. I enjoy reading/hearing from other Believers. I rarely comment because I tend to be quiet in forums and online spaces, but I do try to learn something from everyone. We uplift, exhort, strengthen, and teach each other in many ways, so I don’t discount anyone’s contribution in sharing about our Lord.